LATE broadcaster Nicholas Parsons's Inverclyde links have been fondly recalled after he passed away earlier this week.

The presenter, who hosted Radio 4's Just A Minute since its inception in 1967, died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 96 after a short illness.

Back in August 1992, the TV host opened a charity fete in Greenock, pictured, and made a big impression on all who met him.

The event was organised by the late Sir Ross Belch, CBE, who was latterly the chief executive of Scott Lithgow in Port Glasgow, and his wife Lady Dorothy Belch in the garden of their home Alt na craig in Newton Street, which was latterly turned into a nursing home.

Lady Belch, who now lives in Largs, said Nicholas became firm friends with her husband after they both studied at Glasgow University together.

She said: "Nicholas Parsons was a great man and a true gentleman.

"He always had time for people and he done a lot of charity work.

"When Ross and I were arranging a fete in our garden, Ross asked Nicholas to come and open it for us.

"This fete was in aid of the Thistle Foundations, which had a home for disabled people in locally.

"It was a wonderful day and it was very well supported by the people of Greenock and Port Glasgow."

Lady Belch said Nicholas thoroughly enjoyed the community event.

She said: "There were lots of stalls in the garden and tea and coffee in the house.

"We also had a photographer with an instant camera so people could pay a £1 to have a photo taken with Nicholas and the money was donated to the charity.

"Everyone had a lot of fun at the fete.

"He was a very nice man."

Sir Belch, who was appointed CBE in 1972 and awarded a knighthood in 1991 for services to Scottish industry.

Lady Belch added: "Nicholas's family were in the South of England where his father was a doctor.

"Nicholas himself wanted to go in for acting but his family did not approve of this and wanted him to train as an engineer.

"He spent time at Govan Shipbuilders.

"Nicholas and Ross were friends for many years, kept regularly in touch and met up occasionally.

"Ross was his best man."

Following the charity fete, Lady Belch said they subsequently organised four other fetes in their garden with stars including Jimmy Logan, Sydney Devine and Johnny Beattie.

She added: "I think people will remember the fetes.

"One year we even had donkeys in the garden."

Jim Hunter, the former Gourock councillor who now runs the Gourock Pensioners' Group, said he also fondly remembers the broadcaster.

He said: "Nicholas Parsons was super when he came along to open the fete.

"I remember him standing on the steps joking with everyone - he was quite a character.

"He came and helped me at the tombola stall which I ran every year.

"He was just a fantastic man."